Apply for Social Security Benefits Online
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 31, 2023
Did you know you can do much of your business online with Social Security?
This means no need to call or visit a local Social Security office.
You can take your time completing our online applications and even save your progress to return to later.
You can apply online for:
Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits
You can apply up to four months before you want your retirement benefits to start. You must be at least age 62 for the entire month to be eligible to receive benefits.
If you were born on the first or second day of the month, you meet this requirement in the month of your 62nd birthday. If you were born on any other day of the month, you do not meet this requirement until the following month. When you’re ready, apply on our website.
Disability Benefits
You can use our online application to apply for disability benefits if you:
- Are age 18 or older.
- Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
- Are unable to work because of a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, our online appeal application is a starting point to request a review of the determination we made. Please visit our website.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI also makes payments to people who are age 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.
If you plan to apply for SSI, you can tell us you want to apply and we will make an appointment to help you complete the application. Or you can complete a large part of your application online.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some people younger than 65 who have disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, and are not working, you should apply for Medicare three months before turning age 65.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
Some people with limited resources and income may be able to get Extra Help paying their monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. People who need assistance with the cost of medications can apply for Extra Help.
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Tags: Disability, Medicare, retirement, Social Security benefits, social security disability benefits, SSI
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Krishna
Your website is very nice and full of good blogs, I am very happy to read it.
MSearcy
I was injured on a job, 2020 have had surgery twice and doctor realized that my body builds excessive scarring and the surgery nor therapy will help with the injury. My doctor Said I have reached mmi twice, and again the injury has gotten worse. I have two doctors with same diagnosis. It happened in 2020, now it’s 2023. I have an impairment rating plus right upper extremities restrictions, plus left shoulder impingement, left shoulder tendonitis and left shoulder pain constantly. My job refused to accept me back, that I was injured on because of the restrictions. Workers comp wants to close case with no future medical treatments. They have stopped my weekly checks, they trying to coerced me into signing a settlement that takes away all my rights to any subsidized insurances, unemployment, and etc. But I am in so much pain daily, taking pain medicine constantly. Have other major health issues. Living from one relative to another, basically homeless.
Steve W.
Unfortunately this doesn’t work for many people who cannot qualify for a mysocialsecurity account, or who are applying only for SSI. The most vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, people experiencing homelesssness, and the formerly incarcerated, face the most barriers to be able to apply for benefits. Many of them need help from an advocate or representative in order to apply. Earlier in the pandemic SSA allowed people to submit applications by e-fax and to electronically sign documents, but now SSA has repealed that policy and made it harder for people to apply or to access SSA services.
Linda E.
When my husband died we were living separately but still married and for other reasons I could not collect his SS benefits, however, I requested the death benefit of $255. I was denied because at the time of his death we were not living together. I was told this in person at the SS office. Is that correct?
Ann C.
Hi, Linda. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Generally, the lump-sum death benefit is paid to the surviving spouse who was living in the same household as the worker when they died. If they were living apart, the surviving spouse can still receive the lump-sum if, during the month the worker died, they met one of the following:
For more information, please visit our Benefits Planner. We hope this helps.
Harold J.
Ok
John R.
I can’t safely drive and I am young and very tech savvy so it is very important for me to be able to do everything online and never have to go into a physical Social Security office for any reason. Some people are blind and can’t drive and use screen reading software and would much rather do everything online, especially if the website works well with screen readers. Online is very important. Modernize, please.
Anthony G.
Authority: Secs. 205, 702(a)(5), 1106, and 1141 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405, 902(a)(5), 1306, and 1320b-11); 5 U.S.C. 552 and 552a; 8 U.S.C. 1360; 26 U.S.C. 6103; 30 U.S.C. 923.
Source: 62 FR 4143, Jan. 29, 1997, unless otherwise noted.
Ahmad S.
Hi, I am almost 71 years old SSI holder as well as my wife almost 66 years old permanently disable due to her hip surgery. Also she had bypass heart surgery. She has high blood pressure and stroke attack. But she didn’t recieves SSI too. Where is she is entitled for SSDI benifits. Our monthly expenses is not enough.
Ann C.
Hi, Ahmad. We are sorry to hear about your wife’s condition and your situation. For her security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. She can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. She can also contact her local Social Security office. You may also be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
Robyn G.
It was Tina Griffith who committed the social security disability fraud and theft in my name.
Tony
The SSA goes after relatives to recover that stolen money. If the mom stole the money in the son’s name and cannot pay it back, then the SSA will go after the son for the money.
Tony
How come the Medicare Advantage Plan companies get about $12 billion in bonuses every year from the CMS, but the CMS has limited resources to help individuals with Medicare premium and prescription cost?